If anyone knows what they’re talking about when it comes to managing job interviews, it’s the bigwigs at Amazon.
The multi-tasking tech giant has offered words of wisdom to any potential candidates looking to land a job with them or anywhere else.
You’ve finally landed a job interview, but you didn’t ask the interviewer if he had any questions. (Getty Images)
Amazon Marketing Manager Brittany Bunch teamed up with recruiters Bhavishya Lingam, Patti Cudney, Anjana Kumari, Anna Duong, and Pranjal Singh to highlight what NOT to do.
In total, there were six common mistakes candidates make, and while some of them may seem obvious, there are a couple of things you wouldn’t think you’d be judged on.
Not being specific enough
In no particular order, the first of the six we’ll address is “not including enough data.”
Bunch wrote: “Throughout the interview, be sure to replace vague or general answers with specific, quantifiable, and granular information that clearly demonstrates your experience and involvement.
“It’s important to provide enough detail, but don’t overwhelm the interviewer with too much detail. Answers should be four minutes or less.”
If you fail to prepare, you are prepared to fail: make sure you review the topic beforehand. (Getty Images)
Basically, review for the interview: learn how to stand out and use data to do so.
Do not use the acronym STAR
Next is ‘being unable to present your accomplishments in a clear and concise manner’, which would fall into the aforementioned category of studying before.
He explained that in order to avoid this, candidates should follow the STAR acronym: “Start with an overview of the situation, then review the tasks and actions, and end with an overview of the results achieved.”
“This will help interviewers understand your example and allow them to ask the right follow-up questions to learn more.”
Using “we”, not “I”
Bunch wrote: “It’s difficult to assess a candidate’s skills if they’re constantly saying ‘we’ because we can’t determine the impact they’ve been able to make independently.”
So make sure you’re clear about what you’ve personally accomplished rather than talking about your team’s success.
Oh, yes! You landed the job after following advice from Amazon professionals and journalist Joe Yates. (Getty Images)
Don’t ask the interviewer any questions
One mistake I’m sure a lot of people make is “passing up the opportunity to ask questions.”
You shouldn’t be afraid to ask the interviewer to explain exactly what he or she wants to know if you’re not sure what he or she is asking you. After all, it’s better than going down a dead end when you try to answer.
Bunch wrote: “A simple clarifying question that helps you understand what the interviewer really wants to know can make the difference between a successful or unsuccessful interview.
“We are committed to your success and welcome the opportunity to provide you with additional details or present information in a different way.”
Not giving enough examples
Instead of repeating the same example of your accomplishments for every interview question, you should provide a wide range of different situations and how you excelled in them.
Bunch wrote: “Based on the various experiences and examples shared during the final interview, the interview team should be able to gather enough data points to support their decision about a candidate’s success and potential within a specific level and role.”
Not taking the opportunity to find out more about the company and the position.
When an interviewer asks you if you have any questions after they’ve finished questioning you, you should have something prepared and take the opportunity to find out if you really want the job.
In Bunch’s words, the interview should be “mutually beneficial.”
She wrote: “A job description is a small snapshot of the role and is an even smaller reflection of the company as a whole. We know you may have questions about our leadership principles, our culture, and our investment in our employees, and we’re ready to provide what you need.”
If this helps you land a job, feel free to send me a Venmo.
